empty nest

Dear Amelia and Jack, Your father and I are writing to you to tell you not to worry about us. We know, you were concerned about us being all alone in this empty nest. The day to day hustle and bustle is less, and you feared we would be sad, and our brains would turn to mush. Please rest assured that there is a great support group of empty nest parents and we meet regularly in Target, the market, the…

I clearly remember the morning I went into labor with Amelia. I got up, took a shower shaved my legs, and changed my voice mail telling the world that I was going to be a mom. Dad and I were in the garage and just before we got in the car to go to the hospital, I turned to him and said, “Chip, this is the last time we will be alone as a couple for a long time.” A…

As mothers, we view and live life in phases. Hindsight is indeed 20/20 but foresight does not exactly exist. You must be in the moment and live it so here is where I have been and where I am going: Conception- when you and your significant other decide it is time to have a family. Control, fear, and anxiety are front and center. When you go through fertility treatment, it is all consuming. You work through all the shots, pills,…

This is how most of Jack’s sentences, texts, and basic questions begin: Mom! Can you fill my water bottle? Mom! Can you start my car? Mom! I’m starrrrving! Mom! What’s for dinner? Mom! Can you make pancakes & bacon? (this goes on all day, not just breakfast) Mom! Can I send you a link on Amazon? (for whatever item crossed his mind today) Mom! Is my laundry done? …and this does not include all the “I need…” sentences, texts, and…

I find myself in an unfamiliar and somewhat precarious situation. Amelia is away finishing up her sophomore year and Jack is touring Germany for another 14 days with his class, soon to be living with a lovely family in Hamm. Amelia was home this weekend for Easter and now she is back at school, and her bed has been stripped and her room cleaned. My nest is once again empty. Or is it just a new nest? An evolving nest…

Hi, I'm Karen Lombardo. I am a second-generation Italian and I am the voice, Io sono la voce, of Pasta on the Floor! The blog reflects the life and stories of my family, friends and my love of food and all things Italian. I hope you laugh, cry and empathize with the characters on these pages. Have a crack at some of the recipes, make them your own, and email me with the changes you made- become a guest blogger! So welcome to Pasta on the Floor and Happy Reading!

Whether you are looking for a recipe for this weekend’s romantic dinner or a short read to lighten your spirits, Pasta on the Floor has what you are looking for. I am always searching for new writers and inspiring cooks to share their stories and their love of food. I hope you have enjoyed spending some time here. Ciao.